That last step is a doozy, but China's in the Olympics

Updated: 2011-09-26 07:55

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)

China's Yi Jianlian (R) receives the tournament's MVP trophy after leading the team to Asian champion at the 2011 FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship final in Wuhan, Hubei province, Sept 25, 2011. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

WUHAN, Hubei province - They were fully prepared for a tough night, but wow.

A summer's worth of effort paid off when China narrowly defeated Jordan, 70-69, to claim the title at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship on Sunday and clinch a spot at next year's London Olympic Games.

"We knew it was gonna be a hard game to play - we prepared well mentally," said China's Yi Jianlian, who packed in 25 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks. "But the toughness was still beyond our imagination. So hard tonight. I am very excited."

The host can finally relax a little.

"We actually carried a burden to play this game. It's impossible to play at home free minded," said Zhu Fangyu. "Our effort paid off, and we will work hard next year in London."

During a dangerous fourth quarter, China almost lost control of the game after Jordan cut the margin to one point in the last minute.

Yi knocked down a crucial free throw to seal the victory after Yi Li scored five points, including a dunk that helped maintain momentum.

Facing a packed, boisterous stadium, China's inside-out offense was bogged down by nerves and Jordan's tough team defense, leading to a first half in which it shot 31 percent 11-of-35 - from the field.

"We started a little bit nervous, but our defense (worked hard). I will sleep with the winning ball tonight," said China's head coach, Bob Donewald, in an interview with CCTV.

Jordan did earn a berth at next year's FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament.

Earlier, in the bronze medal game, South Korea narrowly edged out the Philippines, 70-68 with help from a fourth-quarter comeback.

South Korea also earned a berth at the Olympic qualifying event. Beat-up Iran defeated Lebanon, 87-65, to finish fifth.

China Daily

China's head coach, Bob Donewald, celebrates after leading the team to win an Asian champion at the 2011 FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship final in Wuhan, Hubei province, Sept 25, 2011. [Photo by Cui Meng/China Daily]